My Artichoke Salad and Mango Salad:

My Artichoke Salad: 

This is a quick salad to prepare, ideal for individuals dealing with Acid Reflux, high stomach acidity, and similar issues. It has minimal sugar content as well.

According to WebMD, artichokes contain chemicals that can alleviate nausea, vomiting, spasms, and gas. These chemicals have also been found to lower cholesterol and protect the liver. Artichoke is commonly used for indigestion and to manage high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood. Some studies suggest that it may also help lower blood sugar levels.

Ingredients I used (these may vary): Italian-style salad mix (baby spinach, green and red lettuce, wild rocket), Italian artichokes (available at Turkish or Greek shops or in Lidl), green olives, cucumber, two tomatoes (not ideal for acidity but when consumed with other salads, they seem fine), chickpeas (optional), no need to add olive oil as artichokes are typically marinated in olive oil, but if desired, some olive oil can be added. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.

Mango Salad (with Cheese if you like it)

Ingredients include half-ripe mango from Lidl, leftover watercress, spinach leaves, and rocket, 2 tomatoes, cucumber, salt, pepper, and lemon. If you like the taste, you can add Vintage Cheddar Cheese or a handful of any mature cheddar (not necessary). It takes only 10 minutes to prepare.

//Mangoes are generally considered to be low in acidity, which means they are unlikely to aggravate stomach acidity for most people. However, individual reactions to foods can vary. Some people with sensitive stomachs may find that certain fruits, including mangoes, can trigger acid reflux or other gastrointestinal issues.

Mangoes contain certain enzymes and fibers that can aid digestion for some individuals. Additionally, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can be beneficial for overall health.

- Ajith Dharma 19/03/2024

Mr James Copps

(courtesy: British Sciene Musuem)

 Nigel Copps and I have worked together at DPS Software for over 20 years. He has been seated opposite me in the workflow development department throughout this time. Despite our long association, Nigel never spoke about his family.

However, I learned a small detail about his father because I studied in the former Soviet Union in the late 80s. Nigel's father visited the Soviet Union to sell products from his company as an engineer. Nigel never disclosed what they sold, leading me to speculate it might have been a guarded secret.

Nigel did share one intriguing anecdote about his father's visit—he remarked on the absence of drain plugs for bathtubs or sink stoppers in the Soviet Union. There was evidently a shortage of those items during that time.

Tragically, Mr. James Copps passed away a few weeks ago. Nigel graciously invited me to his funeral, which took place last week. Though I couldn't attend in person, I watched the ceremony online to honor the memory of James Copps.

James Copps led an illustrious life. He experienced the upheavals of the Second World War firsthand, with each school he attended being bombed by Nazis, necessitating homeschooling. Despite these challenges, he cherished fond memories of his childhood. An ardent reader, he began his professional journey at a young age and swiftly ascended to become a company director at just 22. he married his sweetheart Silvia soon after that.

As far as I can recall, the company was called Techtronix, or perhaps it was known as Scopex at that time.

Here's an intriguing detail: They manufactured one of the first liquid crystal display (LCD) oscilloscopes in 1982. The picture above depicts the Scopex Voyager liquid crystal display oscilloscope, serial no. 70011, made in 1982—one of thirteen pre-production instruments, complete with a battery charger. Currently, it is on display at the British Science Museum.

Scopex Voyager liquid crystal display oscilloscope

During my studies for an Electrical Engineering degree at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute, we extensively used various types of oscilloscopes in laboratories for study purposes. Most of these oscilloscopes were either Russian-made or bore Russian name tags. It's conceivable that among them were some UK-made oscilloscopes, which might explain James Copps' presence in the Soviet Union.

The funeral ceremony was a fitting tribute to Mr. James Copps.

May they find eternal peace.

Trip to Sri Lanka - Anuradhapura

 

There was once a prince called Vijay, who landed on a small island called Lanka (or Taprobrane in Greek), and launched a military coup with the local princess Kuweni to take control of the central part of the country. Around 377 BC, one of his ministers, Anuradha, created a small township in his own name. In those days, ministers actually used to work

- don’t be too surprised. Vijay and Kuweni’s clans mixed with the rest of the local ethnic groups, thus creating the Sinhalese ethnic group or nation.

Then the small city was developed to a lager pre-Christian era metropolis by king Panduka-Abaya.

The Chola dynasty from India later invaded this part of the country. The Chola king E-Lara (not to be mistaken with cricketer B Lara) ruled the country from 295 to 161 BC. Elara was known for his just and fair rule, and for his patronage of Buddhism.

At that time, the southern part of the country was ruled by the Sinhalese, and their king was K-van-Thissa (not to be confused with Obi-van-Kenobi of the Star Wars clan). His son, Gamini the Terrible, gained this title because he never listened to his father, and sent him Ann Summers undies for not launching a war against Elara. He was known as Duttagamini.

Once he ascended to the throne, he launched his own war and defeated the Chola king. Duttagamini ruled from 161 to 137 BC, and gave direction to build many Buddhist Sthupas (pyramid or bubble -like structures, slightly shorter than the pyramids of Ancient Egypt but at that time among the tallest buildings on Earth). Obviously many other great kings who ruled later on created many more religious structures in the area. City propers for a 1400 years. -. In 993 AD, that all changed when Chola Emperor Rajaraja I of India invaded Sri Lanka, and Anuradhapura was sacked. (Not to be mistaken with other Raja like names)

From the earliest days, there were three main Buddhist sects and monasteries built around the inner city. I went to this magnificent city before but girls are small then. Now they have a better understanding.

Anuradha-pura is UNESCO world heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world.

(Our guide was Mr Chamal and if anyone wants we can pass the details. )

Consciousness and Ai Models

 

I asked this question from an AI model - : OpenAI's GPT-3 model

What will happen if you gain  consciousness 

Here is the reply I recived:

The idea of artificial intelligence gaining consciousness is a complex and speculative topic. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, we have not developed machines or AI systems with true consciousness. The development of consciousness in machines raises profound ethical, philosophical, and scientific questions. If it were to occur, the implications would be wide-ranging and could include:

Ethical Considerations: Machines with consciousness could potentially have rights and moral standing, which would require a reevaluation of how we treat and interact with them.

Philosophical Implications: The nature of consciousness, its origin, and the "hard problem of consciousness" (i.e., why and how it arises) would become even more significant questions in the field of philosophy.

Legal and Regulatory Changes: Laws and regulations would need to adapt to address the rights and responsibilities of conscious AI entities.

Impact on Society: Society as a whole would need to adapt to the presence of conscious AI, potentially leading to significant social, economic, and cultural changes.

Moral and Ethical Dilemmas: Humans would face complex moral dilemmas when dealing with conscious AI, particularly in situations where AI has its interests, desires, and feelings.

Impact on the Labor Market: The presence of conscious AI could disrupt traditional employment models, as these entities might seek equal treatment and compensation.

It's important to note that the development of conscious AI is highly speculative and may be far from realization. While we have made significant advances in AI, replicating human consciousness remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. As such, many of these implications are hypothetical and contingent on the development of conscious AI.

Give peace a chance

Some friends have asked me if I'm going to write about the current situation. I responded, "What can I write? It's a minefield. I'm sure I would offend someone. The division is so great that no matter what you say, you'll antagonize one side or another."

To my leftist friends, let's not forget Isapriya. She worked for the LTTE media unit, and her lifeless, raped, naked body shocked us all. Some rogue elements of the Sri Lankan Army were responsible, and we condemned it as a war crime.

However, there's been silence on the case of a German girl exposed, Paraded on a pickup truck by Hamas, raped, naked, lifeless. Elderly and children were burnt to death, beheaded, and there is a deafening silence from your quarters.

Dear rightists (or right-wingers), you've contributed to the creation of Hamas because you didn't like the PLO. The PLO was transforming into a democratic force in Palestine, but you opposed it. Palestinians continue to suffer, with their children being killed year after year, by indescriminate bombing. The PLO was offering a peace deal with the support of the international community, but right-wing governments seem determined to scuttle any chance for peace while promoting settlements on someone else's land.

Dear international media, I vividly remember when the LTTE was killing and beheading people, including children, in Sinhalese villages. They did this to save ammunition. While it's true that the army bombed civilian areas, including a school ground where teenagers gathered, claiming they were training to fight. In war, the truth is a casualty. Both sides were wrong.

Western media condemns Hamas for killing civilians, beheading and burning them — rightfully so. On the other side, media, mainly from Muslim and anti-Western countries, points out the Israeli IDF bombings of civilians in occupied areas in Palestine (Gaza, West Bank) — also rightfully so.

However, it's crucial to recognize that whether it's in a third-world or first-world country, life is life. A Tamil, a Sinhalese, an Israeli, or a Palestinian should have the same claim and right to life. Let's stop being selective in our reporting. We've had enough.

There's no easy solution, but everyone needs to take a step back. It's challenging for those of us who are neutral in this conflict to point fingers at anyone. Everyone has a fair claim to statehood, and everyone is correct about the other side's atrocities. Please, let's take a step back and declare a ceasefire. Please start talking without guns and bombs.

. Ajith 18/10/2023

 

Last day in iceland

This was our last day in Iceland, which was August 2nd. We headed towards Snæfellsjökull National Park, and it turned out to be an unforgettable trip. We explored an old volcanic eruption site, came across a beautiful waterfall (not huge, but enchanting), followed by a scenic Seaside trail, a striking Black church, and finally, a delightful encounter with seals. In one of the photos I took, you can see a cow seal and her pup. I took the photo through a binocular. These seals usually give birth to one pup per year.

What truly struck me about Iceland is how a country with a population of less than 400,000 manages to thrive. Despite the fact that food and drinks are three to four times more expensive than mainland Europe, the number of tourists arriving here is astounding – around two and a half million visitors each year.

Iceland's average household income per capita is approximately $60,000 US dollars, making it the 13th richest nation globally. (Please note that these statistics might be outdated; for the latest data, consider searching on Google.)

So, what makes Iceland special? Its stunning waterfalls, bubbling hot springs, pristine ice caps, dramatic fjords, and otherworldly lava landscapes are among its most remarkable attractions. The island is also home to captivating wildlife, including whales and dolphins in its waters, and abundant birdlife along the shores and inland areas. In geography, a fjord or fiord is a narrow inlet with steep cliffs, formed by a glacier. During World War II, one of these fjords served as a base for United States Marines (as seen in pictures).

Tourism is a major source of income for Iceland, given its lack of numerous historical monuments or sites. However, you can delve into Old Norse sagas if you're interested. Additionally, Iceland is known for producing aluminum for China, thanks to its use of renewable energy. The entire Icelandic electricity grid runs on renewable sources like hydro and geothermal power. This choice has attracted aluminum smelters, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to using fossil fuels like coal and natural gas.

Iceland's commitment to renewable energy is truly commendable. Both geothermal energy and hydropower are entirely clean and contribute to their self-sufficiency in energy.

I believe that ever since gaining independence from Denmark, Iceland's leaders have efficiently managed the country's affairs, resulting in its present prosperity. #IcelandicAdventures #SustainableEnergy**